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No, not Riyad Mahrez this time. Sky Sports reported this morning that Demarai Gray met with the club regarding a potential move away from the King Power Stadium. The report was short on details and, like any rumour in July, should be regarded with some skepticism. Exactly with whom he met is in question but it did cite Borussia Dortmund, Spurs, and Everton as possible destinations.
Gray has long been frustrated for some time with his lack of playing time for the Foxes. With Riyad Mahrez apparently on the way out, he seemed like the obvious successor on the wing in the starting XI. In the absence of more information, it seems likely that he is growing frustrated with the lack of movement on Mahrez’ exit and is concerned that he’ll start this next season on the bench again.
Demarai Gray frustrated with lack of game-time at #LCFC.
— James Sharpe (@TheSharpeEnd) July 31, 2017
Gets linked with club that has Reus, Gotze, Dembele, Pulisic, Shurrle, Kagawa.
If he thinks he’s frustrated with playing time now...
The worst case scenario for the Foxes would be for both Gray and Mahrez to depart. Unless Marc Albrighton can play on both wings (and given his work rate, I wouldn’t put it past him), Leicester would be forced to employ either Ahmed Musa or Tom Lawrence out wide. Both of them have the skills to do well in that role, but neither have any track record of success in the Premier League.
Of course, if both Gray and Mahrez leave, then the Craig Shakespeare should have considerably more cash at his disposal to recruit a replacement or two. At this point, it’s useless to speculate as there are so many dominoes yet to fall. Here’s hoping that there’s nothing to this one and that the 21-year-old remains with the club.